Stress-free DIY Pet Costumes

Dressing up your pets can be fun, but it might also take a bit of work and coaxing. We’ve narrowed it down to a few simple projects to keep stress levels low, for you and your furry friends to enjoy dressing up safely and adorably.

This dinosaur project is Jura-SICK. Not only does it take sewing out of the equation, but it’s a costume that doesn’t take more than an hour. Be sure to keep the fabric loose enough and it’ll be a totally uproarious evening!

Martha Stewart’s done it again (and with limited sewing skills necessary!)! Print out the offered templates and ‘fly’ through this simple project. If you want to avoid sewing all together, use braided pipe cleaners, glue and some black Styrofoam to add eight legs to your furry friend’s T-shirt.

We love this costume because even the most costume-phobic dogs can wear it. Make the unmistakable Ty® tag out of card stock or felt, and tie it to your dog’s collar. Boom! Instant costume! Remember: always keep your dog’s collar free for their leash, and make sure their ID tags are always kept on (just in case!).

Even though cats are notoriously difficult to get into costume, here are a few ideas for playing dress up.

Cat Cone Mustache:
If your furry friend has to wear a cone, at least let them wear it with style. The only things needed: a fake mustache and a sense of humor.

For those who prefer an elegant look, why not try a bow tie? The instructions are simple, and who could resist a class act like this?

“Who’s a clever boy?” Your canine friend, if you’ve got the mad crochet skills to pull this Dalek look off (and on)! The Doctor is in year-round!

For those who are more craft-inclined, this adorable crocheted cape with its matching horns is a perfect addition for your little devil. If crocheting isn’t your thing, buy some red fleece from your fabric store and work your magic!

There is a real need for well-fitting dog costumes (dangling parts can be a choking or tripping hazard), and this ensemble attaches to your friend’s harness for a comfortable, anxiety-free evening! If a spooky bat isn’t what you’re after, why not round the edges and make fairy or butterfly wings instead? And if you’re in a time crunch and don’t have fabric lying around, grab some cardboard and make these instead!

Complete with a collar and cuffs, this business casual look gives ‘working like a dog’ a whole new meaning. Be sure to keep the tie short enough so your work colleague doesn’t trip on it.

Wikihow is a staple at this writer’s home, and it has yet to disappoint! If your animal can handle wearing a collar, they can don this bloomin’ cute costume! This flower get up is easy to make for both people and animals, so your options are limitless. If you feel particularly motivated, give this crocheted beauty a shot!

If you’ve got a couple hours and a sewing machine lying around, this court jester look is—paws down—totally adorable. The instructions are clear and manageable for beginner sewers, and the Velcro for the hat is a fantastic replacement for rubber bands (which can choke or pinch). If your dog is a known nibbler, forgo the jingle bells and it’ll still be just as entertaining.